Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 15 Oct 2014

Written Answers Nos. 27-31

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (27, 30)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

27. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay in commencing the Construction Contracts Act 2013; if he will provide a full update and a likely date when it will commence, in view of the fact it is more than 18 months since the legislation was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39567/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

30. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay in commencing the Construction Contracts Act 2013; if he will provide a full update and a date when this will commence in view of the fact that it is over 18 months since this legislation was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39427/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 30 together.

The commencement of the Construction Contracts Act 2013 is dependent on a number of factors contained within the Act itself.  These include the appointment of the Panel of Adjudicators by the Minister, who must be highly qualified and suitable in order to ensure quality outcomes in disputes referred under the Act, the appointment of a Chairperson for that panel, and  the drafting and publication of a code of practice for the conduct of adjudications, which will be binding on all adjudicators operating under the Act, not just those appointed to cases by the Chair of the Adjudication panel.  Work on these items, and the required consultation with industry, has been and is ongoing.

It is hoped that the Act will be implemented in full by Spring 2015.  A specific date of implementation will be announced in advance once it has been finalised, to provide sufficient notice to those affected by the Act's provisions.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (28)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

28. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of the companies that in 2013 received €86 million in rent from Government Departments and the general Civil Service; and the beneficial owners of said companies. [39341/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The following table schedules individuals and legal entities who were the Landlords of commercial office leases held by the Commissioners of Public Works as at year-end 2013 (approximately €86 million).  The Commissioners are not in a position to supply details for leases that may be held by other Government Departments or Agencies on behalf of the State.

Table continuing.

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (29)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

29. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if performance-related pay has been paid to any of his staff or staff in his Department for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; if so, the number of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39400/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been no performance related pay paid to any of my staff or the staff in my Department for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 27.

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (31)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

31. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a site (details supplied) in County Kerry may be made more accessible for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39434/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry, is a National Monument in State care under the management of the Commissioners of Public Works. All works and maintenance carried out at the site are governed by relevant National Monuments legislation.

The Castle itself is medieval with original features and as a result is a very restricted site. Ingress for all visitors is through a main gate followed by a walk up an incline to the reception door. Access to the upper levels inside the Castle is by way of a spiral staircase set into a very narrow stairwell. Due to the associated health and safety concerns, access to these levels is by guided tour only with a maximum of 15 people per tour.

While I recognise my Office's responsibilities under the 2005 Disability Act to ensure that heritage sites under its care are, in as far as is practicable, accessible to people to disabilities, Ross Castle is exempt under Section 29 of that Act. While every effort is made generally to provide for maximum access it is not possible to make the site more accessible to wheelchair users without interfering with the fabric of the structure.

Barr
Roinn